USA Ultimate is committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment for all of its members, as such, we have created several programs including a detailed Code of Conduct to protect athletes of all ages. The following rules, policies, education and tools are intended to serve our community and members as we work together to maintain this environment
USOC Safe Sport Resources
The US Olympic Committee recently approved a wealth of information around Safe Sport practices. The website devoted to the program,SafeSport.org, contains guidance for Organizations, Parents, Athletes, and Coaches and is a great tool for anyone organizing Ultimate at any level.
NCSI Background Screening
How to obtain a background check: Follow these directions (cost is $21.50 for two years, some additional fees may apply for a limited number of specific counties)
"The National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) has long been trusted by our nation’s premiere sport governing bodies, the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) and thousands of other grass roots sports programs. These organizations trust NCSI because of [the] history of pioneering national standards and advancing the quality of background screenings in the youth and amatuer sports community. NCSI's experience and expertise in working with Governing Bodies and their grassroots constituents [meet] the increasing needs of today’s amateur sports organizations" (NCSI, www.ncsisafe.org)
- Chaperones: USA Ultimate has required NCSI Green-Light chaperones for any team with a player under the age of 18 participating in USA Ultimate sanctioned and championships events
- Coaches: USA Ultimate established a requirement in April of 2012 that all coaches of teams at USA Ultimate competition be Green-Light screend by NCSI.
Content of the Background Check
"Convictions for any of the five following crimes will prompt a determination that an applicant ‘does not meet’ the criteria to serve a youth-serving organization:
R1. Any felony (any crime punishable by confinement greater than one year)
a. Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was
convicted, pled guilty, pled nolo contendere or which is pending a disposition. If pled
down, then the crime for which the defendant ultimately was convicted.
b. Defined as all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prison,
regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or
indeterminate sentencing, outer range greater than one year.
R2. Any lesser crime involving force or threat of force against a person.
R3. Any lesser crime of a sexual nature or classified as a sex offense including but not
limited to "victimless" crimes of a sexual nature such as prostitution, pornography,
indecent exposure; and crimes in which sexual relations is an element.
R4. Any lesser crime involving controlled substances (not paraphernalia or alcohol).
R5. Any lesser crime involving cruelty to animals.
R6. Any sex offender registrant.
R7. Any lesser crime involving harm to a minor.
The National Council for Youth Sport (NCYS) has updated the criteria in bold in April 2012.
USA Ultimate Codes of Conduct
USA Ultimate has created or adapted the following codes of conduct for our various populations:
USA Ultimate Conduct Policy
USA Ultimate Coaching Ethics Code
USA Ultimate Spirit of Coaching
Health and Safety
USA Ultimate has two established committees on Health and Safety: the Medical Advisory Board and the Health and Performance Committee. The volunteers who serve on these committees are experienced professionals in and outside of the Ultimate committee in various health and safety fields.
USA Ultimate has established Health, Safety, and Liability requirements for USA Ultimate Sanctioned and Championship Events